Solana issues ‘get tough’ arms message

EU FOREIGN policy chief Javier Solana has delivered a “get tough” message to member states over Europe’s arms capability.

European Voice

5/15/02, 5:00 PM CET

Updated 4/12/14, 7:57 AM CET

Speaking at a meeting of EU defence ministers in Brussels on Monday, Solana bluntly warned that countries may have to consider contributing more to Europe’s overall defence budget.

He said: “We have to accept that the EU’s capacity to act collectively still remains limited. It is very important, therefore, to give priority to strategic capabilities that will increase the European capacity to act together. If necessary, member states might have to commit additional contributions.”

He told the 15 ministers that the gulf in defence resources between Europe and the US was growing. “If nothing is done to narrow it, this could lead to a real technology gap,” he said. Solana also called for a better distribution of Europe’s military spending.

“If no real increase in European military spending appears likely, spending better is required. At present, there is still too much fragmentation and non-coordinated investments,” he said.